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Surface Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mattson Technology

Sr. MTS, Etch RF Engineering

Fremont, CA · On-site

$123K - $170K/yr

Innovations from Mattson Technology in Atomic Surface Engineering address the most critical logic and memory manufacturing challenges. In May 2016, Mattson Technology was acquired by Beijing's E-Town ...

Motion Recruitment Partners, LLC

$150K/yr

Background in tribology, connector reliability, surface engineering, or materials performance * Experience managing supplier relationships, prototype builds, and manufacturing qualification ...

New

Mattson Technology

RF Engineer 1

Fremont, CA · On-site

Innovations from Mattson Technology in Atomic Surface Engineering address the most critical logic and memory manufacturing challenges. In May 2016, Mattson Technology was acquired by Beijing's E-Town ...

Mattson Technology, Inc.

RF Engineer 1

Fremont, CA

Innovations from Mattson Technology in Atomic Surface Engineering address the most critical logic and memory manufacturing challenges. In May 2016, Mattson Technology was acquired by Beijing's E-Town ...

LAM RESEARCH Corporation

Process Engineer 4

Fremont, CA · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

... surface engineering to push technical boundaries. Your role involves developing new and advanced process formulations, defining equipment hardware to meet processing requirements, evaluating test ...

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Surface Engineering information

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How much do surface engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for surface engineering in California is $31.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $37.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is surface engineering?

Surface engineering is a multidisciplinary field focused on modifying and improving the properties of surfaces of materials, such as metals, ceramics, or polymers, to enhance their performance and durability. Techniques like coating, plating, and thermal treatments are used to provide resistance against wear, corrosion, oxidation, and other surface-related failures. Surface engineering is widely applied in industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and biomedical devices. The goal is to extend the lifespan and functionality of components while reducing maintenance costs and resource consumption.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surface engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surface Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, surface treatments, and engineering principles, often supported by a degree in materials, mechanical, or chemical engineering. Proficiency with analytical tools such as scanning electron microscopes (SEM), surface profilometers, and familiarity with relevant industry standards or certifications (e.g., ISO, ASTM) is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication enable collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and clients. These competencies ensure high-quality surface solutions, product durability, and innovation in various industrial applications.

What are some common challenges faced by surface engineers when developing coatings for industrial applications?

Surface engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring the durability and adhesion of coatings under harsh operating conditions, selecting materials that meet both performance and cost requirements, and troubleshooting unexpected failures like corrosion or wear. Balancing the need for innovative solutions with strict industry standards and environmental regulations can also be demanding. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including materials scientists and process engineers, is key to addressing these technical and practical challenges efficiently.

What does a surface engineer do?

A surface engineer specializes in modifying and improving the surface properties of materials to enhance their performance, durability, and resistance to wear, corrosion, or fatigue. They often work with techniques such as coating, polishing, and surface treatments, using tools like microscopy and testing equipment, and may require knowledge of materials science and certifications in relevant processes.

What are popular job titles related to Surface Engineering jobs in California?

For Surface Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Surface Engineering jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Surface Engineering jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Surface Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Surface Engineering job openings:

Surface Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surface Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,765 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

5-Axis CNC Machinist / Programmer - Day Shift (Hermle / DMG / Fusion 360)

Surface Engineering

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Program, set up, and machine complex 5-axis components.

  • Create machining strategies for high-precision parts with demanding geometries.

  • Perform first-article and in-process inspection, troubleshoot machining issues, and work closely with engineering and quality teams.

Job description

At a Glance

Company: Surface Engineering
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay Range: $50+ per hour (based on experience)
Shift: 1st Shift | Monday–Friday | 7:00am–4:00pm (some flexibility available)
Overtime: Available
Experience Level: Senior Level | 5+ years of experience
Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Apply Link: Apply directly through hireCNC

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Why This Role Exists

Surface Engineering is expanding its internal machining capabilities and continuing to invest heavily in advanced equipment and complex manufacturing work. Historically known for ultra-high precision finishing and motion system components used in semiconductor equipment, the company has increased its in-house machining capacity to support growth and greater manufacturing control.

As part of that expansion, Surface Engineering is looking for an experienced 5-axis CNC Machinist / Programmer who can take ownership of highly complex work involving challenging geometries, precision fixturing, and multi-axis machining strategies.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys difficult parts, solving machining problems, and programming setups that require creativity—not repetitive production work.

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The Work You’ll Be Doing

In this role, you will:

  • Program, set up, and machine complex 5-axis components
  • Create machining strategies for high-precision parts with demanding geometries
  • Establish workholding and fixturing approaches that minimize part deformation
  • Program and optimize toolpaths using CAM software
  • Set tooling, offsets, and machine parameters
  • Perform first-article and in-process inspection
  • Work closely with engineering and quality teams
  • Troubleshoot machining issues and continuously improve processes

Many parts involve highly complex geometries with hundreds of features and extremely demanding tolerances. Surface Engineering builds precision motion system components used in semiconductor manufacturing environments.

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Machines, Controls & Software

You'll work with equipment such as:

Machines:

  • Hermle C600U
  • DMG DMU 100 Micro Precision
  • Additional advanced 5-axis platforms as equipment expands

Controls:

  • Heidenhain TNC
  • TNC 7 environment expanding in the future

CAM Software:

  • Fusion 360
  • Open to machinists from other CAM backgrounds willing to learn Fusion

Inspection Equipment:

  • Advanced metrology equipment
  • Strong quality support systems
  • Precision inspection resources

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Materials You'll Work With

  • Aluminum (~75%)
  • Titanium
  • Stainless steel
  • Precision tooling materials including diamond tooling applications

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What We're Looking ForRequired:

  • 5+ years of CNC machining experience
  • Strong experience setting up and programming complex 5-axis work
  • Strong understanding of GD&T
  • Ability to fixture parts while minimizing distortion and deformation
  • Strong blueprint interpretation skills
  • Experience with advanced setup work and process ownership
  • Comfortable troubleshooting machining issues independently
  • Strong communication and team mindset

Preferred (Not Required):

  • Hermle experience
  • DMG experience
  • Heidenhain control experience
  • TNC 7 familiarity
  • Fusion 360 experience
  • Semiconductor, aerospace, medical, or precision manufacturing background

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Why Machinists Like Working Here

Machinists choose Surface Engineering because:

  • Average employee tenure is approximately 7 years with some employees there over 30 years
  • Temperature-controlled facility
  • Stable repeat production environment—not a traditional high-mix job shop
  • Opportunity to work on extremely technical and challenging parts
  • Advanced equipment rarely found elsewhere
  • Strong quality department and support team
  • Weekly pay
  • Profit sharing and performance bonuses

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Pay, Benefits & Schedule

Pay Range: $50+/hr DOE

Bonus Structure:

  • Up to 10% annual bonus potential
  • Two bonus opportunities annually of up to 5% each

Benefits:

  • Medical insurance (85% employee premium covered)
  • Dependent coverage assistance
  • 401(k) with up to 3% company match
  • Profit sharing
  • Weekly pay
  • PTO
  • 10 vacation days
  • 5 sick days
  • 10 paid holidays
  • PTO growth tied to experience and tenure

Schedule:

Monday–Friday
7:00am–4:00pm
Flexible start times available
Overtime available

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Apply

Interested machinists can apply directly through hireCNC.

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